Jetson Orin Nano Fan Control Configuration

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit have reported issues related to the fan settings, specifically wanting to adjust the fan from the default "quiet" mode to a custom fan profile. The symptoms include insufficient cooling during high-load operations, leading to potential overheating. This issue typically arises during the initial setup or while running demanding applications that require more cooling. Users have noted that the fan does not ramp up as expected under load, which can lead to performance throttling or hardware damage due to overheating. The problem has been consistently observed across multiple units, indicating it may not be isolated to specific hardware defects but rather a configuration oversight or limitation in the default settings.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Some users may have defective fans or power supply issues affecting fan performance.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The default firmware may not properly support custom fan profiles, leading to unexpected behavior.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the system configuration may prevent the fan from operating outside of its default quiet mode.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could hinder proper communication between the system and the fan control settings.
• Environmental Factors: High ambient temperatures or inadequate power supply could affect fan performance.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may not be aware of how to properly configure fan settings, leading to reliance on default modes.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Consult Documentation: Refer to the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide, specifically the section on Fan Profile Control (see page 113) for guidance on adjusting fan settings.

2. Check Firmware Version:

   • Ensure that your Jetson Orin Nano is running the latest firmware. You can check and update it using JetPack SDK Manager.
   • Use the following command to verify your current firmware version:

     sudo cat /proc/version
     

3. Adjust Fan Settings:

   • Access the fan control settings through the command line interface (CLI). If a specific command is not provided in user discussions, generally, you can adjust settings in /etc/jetsonfan.conf or similar configuration files.
   • Example command to set a custom fan profile might look like this:

     echo "custom_profile" > /etc/jetsonfan.conf
     

4. Test Different Configurations:

   • Experiment with different configurations by modifying parameters in the fan control files. Restart the device after each change to apply new settings.

5. Monitor System Temperatures:

   • Use tools like tegrastats to monitor GPU and CPU temperatures, ensuring that adjustments are effective.
   • Command:

     sudo tegrastats
     

6. Reflash Firmware (if necessary):

   • If issues persist after checking configurations and firmware, consider reflashing with JetPack 5.x instead of 6.x as it is more stable for initial setups.
   • Follow these steps:
     1. Connect your Jetson Orin Nano to your PC via USB Type-C.
     2. Enter Recovery Mode by shorting specific pins (refer to user guide).
     3. Use SDK Manager to flash JetPack.

7. Seek Community Support:

   • If problems continue after attempting these solutions, consider reaching out on Nvidia forums for additional assistance and community-driven solutions.

8. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Regularly check for software updates and community posts regarding new fixes or configurations.
   • Document any successful configurations for personal reference and share with others facing similar issues.

By following these steps, users should be able to effectively manage their Jetson Orin Nano’s fan settings and ensure optimal performance during operation.